laser marked device

ABSTRACT

An optical device projecting one or more synthetically magnified images that has been laser marked with one or more static two dimensional (2D) images is provided. The static 2D image(s) laser marked on or within this device and the synthetically magnified image(s) projected by this device help determine the authenticity of a document (e.g., passport data page) or product that employs it. Several embodiments of the inventive device also offer increased resistance to tampering or alteration and wear.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/437,157, filed Jan. 28, 2011, which is incorporated hereinin its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a laser marked device, andmore particularly relates to an optical device projecting one or moresynthetically magnified images that has been laser marked with one ormore static two dimensional (2D) images.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Micro-optic film materials projecting synthetic images generallycomprise (a) a light-transmitting polymeric substrate, (b) anarrangement of micro-sized image icons located on or within thepolymeric substrate, and (c) an arrangement of focusing elements (e.g.,microlenses). The image icon and focusing element arrangements areconfigured such that when the arrangement of image icons is viewedthrough the arrangement of focusing elements, one or more syntheticimages are projected. These projected images may show a number ofdifferent optical effects. Material constructions capable of presentingsuch effects are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,333,268 to Steenblik etal., U.S. Pat. No. 7,468,842 to Steenblik et al., U.S. Pat. No.7,738,175 to Steenblik et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,830,627 to Commander etal., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0008923 to Kaule etal.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0177094 to Kaule etal.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0182221 to Kaule etal.; European Patent Application No. 08784548.3 (or European PublicationNo. 2162294) to Kaule et al.; and European Patent Application No.08759342.2 (or European Publication No. 2164713) to Kaule.

These film materials may be used as security devices for authenticationof banknotes, secure documents and products. For banknotes and securedocuments, these materials are typically used in the form of a strip orthread and either partially embedded within the banknote or document, orapplied to a surface thereof. For passports or other identification (ID)documents, these materials could be used as a full laminate or embeddedas an anti-counterfeit feature in polycarbonate passports.

Secure documents made up of fused multilayer polymer film materials havebecome increasingly popular in recent years. Common forms of thesesecure documents include passport data pages and ID cards in whichmultiple layers of polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET),glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), and otherthermoplastic polymers have been fused together to form a secure,indivisible structure. Such products are often formed from a number oflayers of a single type of polymer, such as polycarbonate, with some ofthe layers containing different polycarbonate compositions. Some of thedifferent layer compositions include opaque layers and clear layers. Theclear layers may either contain or be free of laser markable materials.

An object of the present invention is to increase the complexity andthus the counterfeit-resistance of these secure documents byincorporating laser markable or laser marked optical (e.g., micro-optic)film materials. The static 2D images laser marked on, within, or belowthese film materials help determine the authenticity of the documents(e.g., documents having financial value, identity documents, non-securedocuments) and products that employ them. The inventive materials mayalso be used simply for brand enhancement purposes (e.g., as (or as partof) a product label) with the laser marked 2D image providing, forexample, a company logo or other brand identifier.

Laser personalization is widely used as a means to add customizedpersonalization data to secure documents at the point of issue. Thispersonalization feature further protects a secure document being issuedby a government or corporate entity by allowing the issuer topersonalize the document with the intended recipient's personalinformation. By way of the present invention, this type ofpersonalization feature has been incorporated onto, into, or below anoptical film material suitable for use with secure documents therebyenhancing the security features of these documents. In the past,micro-optic systems capable of presenting synthetic images did notcontain laser markable substrate materials. Also, to this point in time,laser markable products have not contained micro-optic systems capableof presenting synthetic images.

Laser marking micro-optic film materials has in the past been deemedimpracticable (i.e., not capable of being put into practice) due to therisk of causing permanent damage to these materials. As is known tothose skilled in the art, laser writing causes overheating and swellingof these film materials, which results in bubbling, separation, ordelamination at interfaces within the structure, and/or permanent damageto the microlenses and/or micro-sized image icons, thus causingpermanent distortion of the synthetic images.

The present inventors have developed a method for laser marking a devicethat embodies or comprises an optical film material without physicallydamaging the material or distorting the image(s) projected by thematerial.

In particular, the present invention provides a method for laser markingone or more static 2D images on or within a device that embodies orcomprises an optical film material that projects at least onesynthetically magnified image, the method comprising:

-   -   identifying one or more layers or interfaces within the optical        film material that may be damaged by laser energy, or by heat        and gas generated by laser absorption within a laser receptive        layer (hereinafter referred to as “laser sensitive layer or        interface”);    -   either positioning one or more layers markable by laser energy        above the laser sensitive layer or interface (hereinafter        referred to as “laser markable layer”), positioning one or more        thermal spacer layers and one or more laser markable layers        below the optical film material, the thermal spacer layer(s)        being located between the optical film material and the one or        more laser markable layers, modifying the laser sensitive        interface to increase the bond strength and/or thermal        resistance of the interface, or replacing the laser sensitive        layer with a layer made from a material with a higher bond        strength and/or a higher thermal resistance;    -   optionally, molding the layers together using heat and pressure        to form a device that embodies the optical film material (e.g.,        a card or composite structure); and    -   exposing the device to laser energy so as to mark one or more        static 2D images on or into the one or more laser markable        layers.

The term “above”, as used herein, is intended to mean a layer that iscloser to a source of laser energy than another layer in the inventivedevice, while the term “below”, as used herein, is intended to mean alayer that is farther from the laser energy source than another layer inthe inventive device.

The term “laser markable” or any variant thereof, as used herein, isintended to mean capable of physical or chemical modification induced orformed by a laser including, but not limited to, carbonizing, engraving,engraving with or without color change, engraving with surfacecarbonization, color change or internal blackening, laser marking bycoating removal, ablation, bleaching, melting, swelling, andvaporization, and the like. The term “laser marked” or any variantthereof, as used herein, is intended to mean carrying or displaying anymark formed by a laser or laser-like device.

The present invention also provides a laser markable optical device,which comprises:

an optical film material that comprises one or more optionallyencapsulated arrangements of focusing elements and one or morearrangements of image icons disposed on opposing sides of an opticalspacer layer, at least a portion of the focusing elements forming atleast one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of theimage icons; and

optionally, one or more layers located above and/or below the opticalfilm material,

wherein at least one arrangement or layer within or layer above or belowthe optical film material is markable by laser energy, and

wherein static 2D images may be laser marked on or into the lasermarkable arrangement(s) or layer(s) without damaging the focusingelements or the image icons of the optical film material, and withoutcausing bubbling, separation, or delamination at any interface withinthe device.

In a first exemplary embodiment, the optical film material of the lasermarkable optical device has one or more layers located above and/orbelow the film material (hereinafter the inventive device in which theoptical film material has layers located above and also below the filmmaterial is sometimes referred to as a “composite security structure”).

In one such embodiment, the laser markable device is made up of anoptical film material that comprises an arrangement of encapsulatedrefractive focusing elements and an arrangement of image icons that areseparated by an optical spacer layer, and one or more layers locatedabove or above and below the optical film material, wherein one or morearrangements or layers located above the arrangement of image icons is alaser markable arrangement or layer.

In another such embodiment, the arrangement(s) of focusing elements isan arrangement of reflective focusing elements and one or morearrangements or layers located above the arrangement of reflectivefocusing elements is a laser markable arrangement or layer.

In yet another such embodiment, the laser markable device is made up ofan optical film material, one or more underlying laser markable layers,and one or more thermal spacer layers positioned between the opticalfilm material and the one or more underlying laser markable layers. Inthis embodiment, laser marking takes place through the optical filmmaterial.

In yet a further such embodiment, the laser markable device is made upof an optical film material that comprises an arrangement of focusingelements embedded within an adhesive material, one or more underlyinglaser markable layers, and an adhesive layer positioned between theoptical film material and the one or more underlying laser markablelayers. In this embodiment, laser marking takes place through theoptical film material.

In a second exemplary embodiment, the optical film material of the lasermarkable optical device is a stand-alone film material that is notcovered or embedded.

In exemplary “stand alone” embodiments, the laser markable device ismade up of an optical film material that comprises an arrangement ofrefractive or reflective focusing elements and an arrangement of imageicons that are separated by a laser markable layer that also functionsas an optical spacer.

The present invention further provides a laser marked optical devicethat basically comprises an optical film material as described above,and optionally one or more layers located above and/or below the opticalfilm material, wherein at least one arrangement or layer of the opticalfilm material or at least one layer above or below the optical filmmaterial is a laser markable arrangement or layer, and wherein the lasermarkable arrangement(s) or layer(s) has one or more laser marked static2D images thereon.

The present invention also provides sheet materials and base platformsthat are made from or employ the inventive laser markable or lasermarked optical device, as well as documents made from these materials.The term “documents”, as used herein designates documents of any kindhaving financial value, such as banknotes or currency, and the like, oridentity documents, such as passports, ID cards, driving licenses, andthe like, or other documents, such as tags and labels. The inventiveoptical system is also contemplated for use with consumer goods as wellas bags or packaging used with consumer goods, such as potato chip bags.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill from the following detailed description andaccompanying drawings.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patentapplications, patents and other references mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, thepresent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and notintended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be better understood with reference to thefollowing drawings. Matching reference numerals designate correspondingparts throughout the drawings, and components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. While exemplaryembodiments are disclosed in connection with the drawings, there is nointent to limit the present disclosure to the embodiment or embodimentsdisclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover allalternatives, modifications and equivalents.

Particular features of the disclosed invention are illustrated byreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of thelaser markable device of the present invention in the form of acomposite security structure, where the optical film material employs anarrangement of encapsulated refractive focusing elements;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of another exemplary embodiment ofthe laser markable device of the present invention also in the form of acomposite security structure, where the optical film material employs anarrangement of reflective focusing elements;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary “stand alone”embodiment of the laser markable device of the present invention, wherethe optical film material comprises an arrangement of refractivefocusing elements and an arrangement of image icons that are separatedby a laser markable optical spacer layer;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of another exemplary “stand alone”embodiment of the laser markable device of the present invention, wherethe optical film material comprises an arrangement of reflectivefocusing elements and an arrangement of image icons that are separatedby a laser markable optical spacer layer;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another exemplaryembodiment of the inventive laser markable device, which is made up ofan optical film material, an underlying laser markable layer, and athermal spacer layer positioned between the optical film material andthe underlying laser markable layer; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a further exemplary embodimentof the inventive laser markable device, which is made up of an opticalfilm material with adhesive embedded focusing elements, an underlyinglaser markable layer and opaque white layer, and an adhesive layerpositioned between the optical film material and the underlying lasermarkable layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By way of the present invention, the complexity and thus thecounterfeit-resistance of known optical (e.g., micro-optic) filmmaterials, as well as documents that employ these materials, areincreased. In addition, several embodiments of the inventive devicedescribed herein offer increased resistance to tampering or alterationand wear. While embodiments described herein have one or more lasermarkable layers positioned above, within, or below the optical filmmaterial, the invention is not so limited. The present invention alsocontemplates a device in which laser markable layers are positioned onboth sides of the optical film material, possibly in combination withclear or laser receptive windows positioned over the film material inthe composite security structure.

As noted above, the laser markable device of the present inventionbasically comprises: an optical film material for projecting at leastone synthetically magnified image that comprises one or more optionallyencapsulated arrangements of focusing elements and one or morearrangements of image icons that are disposed on opposing sides of anoptical spacer layer; and optionally, one or more layers located aboveand/or below the optical film material, wherein at least one arrangementor layer within or layer above or below the optical film material is alaser markable arrangement or layer. Hereinafter, use of the terms “a”and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describingthe invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The term “layer” will equally relate to both arrangements andlayers located above, below, or within the optical film material.

The static 2D images (e.g., letters, numbers, symbols, pictures, digitalphotographs, designs or machine readable information) are laser markedon or into the laser markable layers of the laser markable device. Theinventive device is designed to enable a laser to visibly alter thelaser markable layers without damaging the focusing elements or theimage icons of the optical film material, and without causing bubbling,separation, or delamination at any interface within the device.

The location of the laser markable layer(s) will determine which layeror interface constitutes a vulnerable or sensitive layer that needs tobe protected against damage caused by exposure to laser energy. Becauseheat and gas are generated as the laser markable layer(s) absorbs laserradiation, the layers and interfaces closest to this laser markablelayer(s) are susceptible to damage (e.g., bubbling, separation, ordelamination).

In the case where it is desirable to mark into laser markable layerslocated above the optical film material, the optical film material andinterface above the optical film material are susceptible to damage thatresults as the laser markable layer(s) absorbs laser energy and darkens,thereby generating heat and gas due to the absorption of laser energy,while in the case where it is desirable to mark into laser markablelayers located below the optical film material, the optical filmmaterial and interface below the optical film material are particularlyvulnerable to damage.

In the case where the focusing elements are reflective focusingelements; the arrangement of reflective focusing elements constitutesthe vulnerable or sensitive layer due to the opacity of the reflectivematerial.

To protect the sensitive layers and interfaces against damage caused byexposure to laser energy and the byproducts of laser absorption in thelaser markable layer(s), the relative position of the laser markablelayers within the inventive device are considered, the concentration oflaser energy absorbing ingredients within these layers, interfacial bondstrengths, and the laser light intensity used during laser marking areselected, and in some exemplary embodiments thermal spacer layers areemployed, so that enough laser energy is absorbed within the lasermarkable layers to mark these layers while avoiding damage to thesensitive layer or interface. In other exemplary embodiments, the lasersensitive interface is modified to increase the bond strength and/orthermal resistance of the interface, or the laser sensitive layer isreplaced with a layer made from a material with a higher bond strengthand/or higher thermal resistance. By way of example, the laser sensitiveinterface may be modified by employing at the interface an adhesivefilm, a solvent welding primer composition or a two part epoxy thatforms a strong interfacial bond, or a thermoplastic material that willform a bond during the optional molding step of the inventive method.

Suitable laser markable layers may be prepared using thermoplasticpolymers. In a first category, thermoplastic polymers with goodabsorption and carbonization may be used. These polymers are lasermarkable in the absence of so-called laser additives, which arecompounds absorbing light at the wavelength of the laser used, andconverting it to heat. Examples of these polymers, which produceextensive blackening in the area exposed to the laser, includepolyethersulfone (PES), polysulfone (PSU), polycarbonate (PC), andpolyphenylene sulfide (PPS). In a second category, thermoplasticpolymers with laser additives (e.g., pigments or special additives) maybe used. Examples of these polymers, which can be marked uniformly andwith good quality, include polystyrene (PS), styrene acrylonitrile(SAN), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), PET, PETG, polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT) and polyethylene. Examples of these laser additivesinclude carbon black, antimony metal, antimony oxide, tin-antimony mixedoxides, phosphorous-containing mixed oxides of iron, copper, tin and/orantimony, mica (sheet silicate) coated with metal oxides. The lasermarkable layers have preferred thicknesses ranging from about 5 to about500 microns, more preferably from about 25 to about 200 microns. In apreferred embodiment in which the optical film material is covered orforms part of the composite security structure, the laser markablelayers of the inventive laser markable device are laser markabletransparent polycarbonate films (thickness ranging from about 5 to about500 microns) that are available from SABIC Innovative Plastics, OnePlastics Ave., Pittsfield, Mass. 01201 (“SABIC”) under the productdesignation Lexan SD8B94 film. In a preferred embodiment for the “standalone” embodiment in which the optical film material is not covered orembedded, the laser markable optical spacer is a clear polycarbonatesheet (thickness ranging from about 5 to about 500 microns) that isavailable from 3M, 3M Center, St. Paul, Minn. 55144-100 (“3M”) under theproduct designation Clear LE clear polycarbonate film.

These exemplary embodiments of the inventive laser markable device aremarked using any suitable laser such as a pulsed Nd:YAG, Nd:YO₄, or FAYblaser, typically having 1064, 532, or 355 nanometer (nm) laserwavelengths, galvanometer mounted mirrors, and a scan lens to enablemarking over a two dimensional field. Any laser with wavelengths withinthis range (as well as higher and lower wavelengths) and various controlmechanisms may be used for this purpose. Other examples of suitablelasers include CO₂, Excimer, or doubled Nd:YAG lasers. The inventivedevice is irradiated with a focused laser beam at given locations andpulse energies. The area irradiated by the laser absorbs the laserenergy and produces heat, resulting in carbonization which causes avisible discoloration or darkening in the laser markable arrangement(s)or layer(s). The visible discoloration serves as a “mark”, and usuallyappears in a color ranging from shades of gray to opaque black.

In a preferred laser marking technique, a V-Lase 10 Watt Q-switched 1064nanometer (nm) laser marking system is used to mark the inventive lasermarkable device, the laser marking system producing laser light emissionat a setting of 30,000 Hertz (Hz). The laser marking system is set to80% of maximum power, and a scan speed of 200 millimeters per second(mm/sec). These settings produce a high contrast mark in the desiredlocation within the inventive laser markable device without burning oroverexposure. The device to be laser marked is placed beneath the laserscanning head of the laser marking system by an automatic loadingmechanism or by hand placement. Next, the laser is controlled by acomputer using a data file containing the marking pattern. A low poweraiming beam is optionally used before the marking step to verify thecorrect placement of the device. When a command is received by the lasermarking system, the focused laser will scan the areas to be marked witha pulsed laser output, with scan speeds, pulse frequencies, and outputpower being modulated according to the controlling data file. These areinput variables that are adjusted according to device type, thickness,and desired aesthetics of the mark(s) being written. By makingadjustments to these variables, lighter or darker marks may be made.Settings are optimized for particular materials and marks, with allsetting adjustments monitored to avoid over-darkening, swelling, orburning the device.

As explained above, the optical film material of the laser markableoptical device of the present invention may or may not be covered orembedded.

In one such exemplary embodiment, the laser markable device is made upof an optical film material that comprises an arrangement ofencapsulated refractive focusing elements and an arrangement of imageicons that are separated by an optical spacer, and one or more layerslocated above and/or below the optical film material. In one suchembodiment, one or more layers located above the arrangement of imageicons are laser receptive layers, with an outermost layer being atransparent thermoplastic material layer. The outermost transparentthermoplastic material layer provides the inventive device withincreased resistance to tampering or alteration and wear.

The optical film material in this exemplary embodiment may be preparedin accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 7,333,268 to Steenbliket al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,468,842 to Steenblik et al., and U.S. Pat. No.7,738,175 to Steenblik et al., all of which are fully incorporatedherein by reference as if fully set forth herein. As described in thesereferences, arrays of focusing elements and image icons can be formedfrom a variety of materials such as substantially transparent or clear,colored or colorless polymers such as acrylics, acrylated polyesters,acrylated urethanes, epoxies, polycarbonates, polypropylenes,polyesters, urethanes, and the like, using a multiplicity of methodsthat are known in the art of micro-optic and microstructure replication,including extrusion (e.g., extrusion embossing, soft embossing),radiation cured casting, and injection molding, reaction injectionmolding, and reaction casting. High refractive index, colored orcolorless materials having refractive indices (at 589 nm, 20° C.) ofmore than 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, or higher, such as those described in U.S.Patent Application Publication No. US 2010/0109317 A1 to Hoffmuller etal., may also be used in the practice of the present invention.

An exemplary method of manufacture for the optical film material is toform the icons as voids in a radiation cured liquid polymer (e.g.,acrylated urethane) that is cast against a base film (i.e., an opticalspacer), such as 75 gauge adhesion-promoted polyethylene terephthalate(PET) film, then to form the focusing elements as lenses from theradiation cured polymer on the opposite face of the base film in correctalignment or skew with respect to the icons, then to fill the icon voidswith a submicron particle pigmented coloring material by gravure-likedoctor blading against the film surface, and solidify the fill bysuitable means (e.g., solvent removal, radiation curing, or chemicalreaction).

The refractive focusing elements of the optical film material areencapsulated using a material having a refractive index that issubstantially or measurably different than the refractive index of thematerial used to form the focusing elements. In particular, thedifference in these refractive indices causes the focal length of thefocusing elements to converge on the arrangement(s) of image icons.

The encapsulating material may be transparent, translucent, tinted, orpigmented and may provide additional functionality for security andauthentication purposes, including support of automated currencyauthentication, verification, tracking, counting and detection systems,that rely on optical effects, electrical conductivity or electricalcapacitance, magnetic field detection. Suitable materials can includeadhesives, gels, glues, lacquers, liquids, molded polymers, and polymersor other materials containing organic or metallic dispersions, providedthe refraction of light is not completely disrupted.

The encapsulating material is applied to the focusing elementarrangement(s) by transparent printing, molding, sol-gel (chemicalsolution deposition), curtain coating or blading, flood coating and openair drying/curing, coating and ultraviolet (UV)/energy curing against asmooth cylinder, laminating with adhesive backed film, anilox ormetering roller, evaporation, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physicalvapor deposition (PVD), or any other means of applying a substance to asurface, including those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,333,268 toSteenblik et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,468,842 to Steenblik et al., and U.S.Pat. No. 7,738,175 to Steenblik et al., all of which, as noted above,are fully incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

The optical film material of this exemplary embodiment may furthercomprise additional features, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No.7,333,268 to Steenblik et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,468,842 to Steenblik etal., U.S. Pat. No. 7,738,175 to Steenblik et al., and U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2007/0273143 to Crane et al. By way ofexample, enhanced optically variable effects may be formed by combiningor registering the synthetically magnified images generated by theoptical film materials with the static 2D images, such as those effectsdescribed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0273143 toCrane et al.

In another exemplary embodiment, the arrangement(s) of focusing elementsof the inventive laser markable optical device is an arrangement ofreflective focusing elements and one or more layers located above thearrangement of reflective focusing elements is a laser markable layer,with the layer located immediately above the optical film materialoptionally being a transparent thermoplastic material layer. Thereflective focusing elements may be made reflective by metallization orby coating with a high refractive index non-metallic material, such aszinc sulphide (ZnS) or indium tin oxide (ITO).

The optical system of this exemplary embodiment may also be preparedusing materials and fabrication techniques described in U.S. Pat. No.7,333,268 to Steenblik et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,468,842 to Steenblik etal., and U.S. Pat. No. 7,738,175 to Steenblik et al., and may alsocontain additional features as described in these references as well asin U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0273143 to Crane et al.

The transparent thermoplastic material layer located above the opticalfilm material in each of these embodiments is added to achieve a desiredthickness of the composite device for structural or other functionalreasons, and may be positioned at various locations in the compositedevice. If positioned as an outermost layer, it also serves the purposeof providing the inventive device with increased resistance to tamperingor alteration and wear. This optional layer may be prepared frommaterials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes, ethylene vinylacetates, polyacrylates, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyesters,polyethylenes, polyethylene napthalates, polyethylene terephthalates,polymethyl methacrylates, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polysulfones,polyurethanes, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinylidene chlorides, and thelike. The transparent thermoplastic material layer has a thicknessranging from about 5 to about 500 microns, preferably from about 25 toabout 150 microns, which includes ranges of from about 50 to about 120microns, and from about 80 to about 100 microns. In a preferredembodiment, the transparent thermoplastic material layer is a clearpolycarbonate film that is available from SABIC under the productdesignation Lexan SD8B14 film.

The opaque or transparent thermoplastic or thermosetting material layeroptionally located below the optical film material as a base or supportlayer may be prepared from materials such as acrylonitrile butadienestyrenes, ethylene vinyl acetates, polyacrylates, polyamides,polycarbonates, polyesters, polyethylenes, polyethylene napthalates,polyethylene terephthalates, polymethyl methacrylates, polypropylenes,polystyrenes, polysulfones, polyurethanes, polyvinyl acetates,polyvinylidene chlorides, and the like. The opaque or transparent baselayer, which may contain organic or inorganic additives or fillers foropacity, has a preferred thickness ranging from about 5 to about 500microns, more preferably from about 25 to about 150 microns. In apreferred embodiment, this optional layer is an opaque whitepolycarbonate film from SABIC with the product designation Lexan SD8B24film.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the inventive laser markable deviceis made up of an optical film material, one or more underlying lasermarkable layers, and one or more thermal spacer layers positionedbetween the optical film material and the underlying laser markablelayer(s). In this exemplary embodiment, laser marking takes placethrough the optical film material.

The thermal spacer layer serves the purpose of isolating the opticalfilm material from the heat generated during the laser marking process.This layer(s) may be prepared from materials such as acrylics,acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes, ethylene vinyl acetates,polyacrylates, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyethylenes,polyethylene napthalates, polyethylene terephthalates, polymethylmethacrylates, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polysulfones,polyurethanes, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinylidene chlorides, and thelike, in the form of an adhesive (e.g., clear acrylic thermoplasticadhesive) or sheet material (e.g., clear thermoplastic sheet material),that are transparent to laser marking radiation and do not contain lasermarking additives. The thermal spacer layer has a thickness ranging fromabout 5 to about 500 microns, preferably from about 25 to about 150microns. Thermal spacer layers having thicknesses falling outside of thebroader range noted above will either be too thin to thermally isolatethe optical film material, or too thick to be practical in an ID card orsecure document. In a preferred embodiment, the thermal spacer layer isa clear polycarbonate film, which is available from SABIC under theproduct designation Lexan SD8B14.

It is noted that the layers located above and/or below the optical filmmaterial may include other features, such as windows, additionaloptically variable devices, RFID chips, and various other features usedin polymer security devices.

In exemplary “stand alone” embodiments, the laser markable device ismade up of an optical film material that comprises an arrangement ofrefractive or reflective focusing elements and an arrangement of imageicons that are separated by a laser markable layer that also functionsas an optical spacer.

The same general rules described above also apply to these embodiments.In particular, in the case where the focusing elements are refractivefocusing elements, the laser markable layer (i.e., the laser markableoptical spacer) is positioned above the arrangement of image icons,while in the case where the focusing elements are reflective focusingelements, the laser markable layer (i.e., the laser markable opticalspacer) lies above the arrangement of reflective focusing elements.

The optical film material of the inventive device may be prepared asdescribed above with the exception that the optical spacer is now lasermarkable and with the further exception that when the focusing elementsare refractive focusing elements, the focusing elements may either beopen to the air or they may be encapsulated in a polymer. The opticalfilm material of the inventive device may also contain additionalfeatures as described in the listed references.

Images are marked in the laser receptive layer(s) of the inventivedevice using a laser marking system set at a power level that provides adark, legible mark. The power level is specific to the maximum outputpower of the laser marking system and its wavelength of operation, inaddition to the frequency, scan speed and focused laser spot size.Settings that are not suitable are those that leave an illegible markthat is either too light to read or too bold, causing damage in the areaof the mark.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, several of the exemplaryembodiments described above that have been prepared and laser marked aredepicted. The following description of these embodiments is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms depictedtherein.

Example 1

In this example, which is shown in FIG. 1, an optical film material 10containing refractive lenses 12 encapsulated below a layer of athermoset polymer 14, an optical spacer 16, and image icons 18 wasprepared and then embedded between a 150 micron thick base layer 20prepared using an opaque white polycarbonate film from SABIC with theproduct designation Lexan SD8B24 film, and a multi-layer constructionmade up of three laser markable layers 22 a, 22 b, 22 c of 150 micronthick laser markable transparent polycarbonate film from SABIC with theproduct designation Lexan SD8B94 film, and a 150 micron thick outerlayer24 prepared using a clear polycarbonate film from SABIC with the productdesignation Lexan SD8B14 film.

An image was then marked in the laser markable transparent polycarbonatefilm layers 22 a, 22 b, 22 c using a V-Lase 10 Watt Q-switched 1064 nmlaser marking system, which produced laser light emission at 30,000 Hzwith a power setting of 80%, and scan speed of 200 mm/sec. The resultingmaterial or device contained the laser marked image with no detectabledamage to the optical film material or internal interfaces.

Example 2

In this example, which is shown in FIG. 2, an optical film material 26containing metalized reflective lenses 28, an optical spacer 30, andimage icons 32 was prepared and then embedded between a 150 micron thickLexan SD8B24 opaque white polycarbonate film base layer 34, and amulti-layer construction made up of a 150 micron thick Lexan SD8B14clear polycarbonate innerlayer 36, and three 150 micron thick LexanSD8B94 laser markable transparent polycarbonate film overlayers 38 a, 38b, 38 c.

An image was then marked in the laser markable transparent polycarbonatefilm layers 38 a, 38 b, 38 c using the same laser marking system andsettings as set forth above in Example 1. The resulting material ordevice again contained the laser marked image with no detectable damageto the optical film material or internal interfaces.

Example 3

In this example, which is shown in FIG. 3, an optical film material 40containing refractive lenses 42, a laser markable optical spacer 44, andimage icons 46 was prepared. The laser markable optical spacer 44 was a50 micron thick, clear polycarbonate sheet from 3M, 3M Center, St. Paul,Minn. 55144-100 (“3M”) under the product designation Clear LE clearpolycarbonate film. An array of refractive lenses 42 with a 58 micronfocal length were formed on an uppermost surface of the optical spacer44, and a 3 micron thick arrangement or layer of pigmented image icons46 was formed on the lowermost surface of the optical spacer 44. Theprepared micro-optic film material projected synthetically magnifiedimages with sharp focus.

An image was marked in the optical spacer 44 using the same lasermarking system and settings as set forth above in Example 1. Theresulting material or device contained the laser marked image with nodetectable damage to the refractive lenses 42. In this example, thelenses were transparent enough to the 1064 nm laser light to allowtransmission of the laser into the laser markable optical spacer 44without damaging the lenses 42, or introducing significant swelling ordistortion of the synthetic images, yet producing indelible marking ordarkening within the structure.

Example 4

In this example, which is shown in FIG. 4, an optical film material 48containing reflective lenses 50, a laser markable optical spacer 52, andimage icons 54 was prepared. The laser markable optical spacer 52 was a50 micron thick, clear polycarbonate sheet from 3M, 3M Center, St. Paul,Minn. 55144-100 (“3M”) under the product designation Clear LE clearpolycarbonate film. An array of reflective lenses 50 with a 52 micronfocal length were formed on the lowermost surface of the optical spacer52, and a 3 micron thick arrangement or layer of pigmented image icons54 was formed on the uppermost surface of the optical spacer 52. Theprepared micro-optic film material projected synthetically magnifiedimages with sharp focus.

An image was marked in the optical spacer 52 using the same lasermarking system and settings as set forth above in Example 1. Theresulting material or device contained the laser marked image with nodetectable damage to the reflective lenses 50. In this example, theimage icons were transparent enough to the 1064 nm laser light to allowtransmission of the laser into the laser markable optical spacer 52without damaging the image icons 54, or introducing significant swellingor distortion of the synthetic images, yet producing indelible markingor darkening within the structure.

Example 5

In this example, which is shown in FIG. 5, an optical film material 56containing refractive lenses 58 encapsulated below a layer of athermoset polymer 60, an optical spacer 62, and image icons 64 wasprepared. A thermal spacer layer 66 in the form of a clear polycarbonatefilm from SABIC with the product designation SD8B14, having a thicknessof 150 microns, was then applied to the underside of the optical filmmaterial 56 using acrylic thermoplastic adhesive. A 150 micron thicklaser markable transparent polycarbonate film 68 from SABIC with theproduct designation Lexan SD8B94 film was then applied to the undersideof the thermal spacer layer 66.

An image was marked in the laser markable film 68 using a V-Lase 10 WattQ-switched 1064 nm laser marking system at the following settings:30,000 Hz, 80% power, and scan speed of 200 mm/sec. The resultingmaterial or device contained the laser marked image with no detectabledamage to the optical film material 56, or delamination between layersof the device.

Example 6

In this example, which is shown in FIG. 6, an optical film material 70containing refractive lenses 72 encapsulated below a layer of acrylicthermoplastic adhesive 74, an optical spacer 76, and image icons 78 wasprepared. The optical film material 70 was backcoated with a 5 micronthick layer of acrylic adhesive 80 and then die cut into a 19 mm (0.75inch) diameter circle. Above the die cut optical film material 70 wasplaced a layer of 150 micron thick clear polycarbonate film 82 fromSABIC under the product designation Lexan SD8B14 film. A 150 micronthick laser markable transparent polycarbonate film 84 from SABIC withthe product designation Lexan SD8B94 film was then applied to theadhesive coated underside of the optical film material 70, followed by a150 micron thick layer of opaque white polycarbonate film 86 from SABICwith the product designation Lexan SD8B24 film. This construction wastrimmed to a size of 89 mm×127 mm, placed into a heated platen press andthe layers molded together at a temperature of 177° C. (350° F.) and apressure of 15.8 megapascals (2,286 psi) for a period of 10 minutes. Theresult was a composite card having a patch of optical film material 70molded therein.

An image was marked in the laser markable film 84 using a V-Lase 10 WattQ-switched 1064 nm laser marking system at the following settings:30,000 Hz, a scan speed of 200 mm/sec, and a power setting of 50%. Theresulting composite card contained the laser marked image with nodetectable damage to the optical film material 70, or delaminationbetween layers of the card.

The inventive laser markable and laser marked device may be used in theform of, for example, a sheet material for use in making, for example,banknotes, passports, and the like, or it may adopt a thicker, morerobust form for use as, for example, a base platform for an ID card,high value or other security document. The inventive device may also beused in the form of a security strip, thread, patch, or overlay andmounted to a surface of, or at least partially embedded within a fibrousor non-fibrous sheet material (e.g., banknote, passport, ID card, creditcard, label), or commercial product (e.g., optical disks, CDs, DVDs,packages of medical drugs), etc., for authentication purposes.

When used in the form of a base platform for an ID card, high value orother security document, the base diameter of the refractive orreflective focusing elements in the optical film material is preferablyless than about 50 microns, preferably from about 5 to about 30 microns,and more preferably from about 10 to about 25 microns, while the totalthickness of the inventive device is preferably less than or equal toabout 3 millimeters (mm) including (but not limited to) thicknesses:ranging from about 1 to about 3 mm; ranging from about 500 microns toabout 1 mm; ranging from about 200 to about 500 microns, ranging fromabout 50 to about 199 microns, and of less than about 50 microns.

When used in the form of a security strip, thread, patch, or overlay,the base diameter of the refractive or reflective focusing elements ispreferably less than about 50 microns, preferably from about 5 to about30 microns, and more preferably from about 10 to about 25 microns, whilethe total thickness of the inventive device is preferably less thanabout 50 microns (more preferably, less than about 45 microns, and mostpreferably, from about 10 to about 40 microns).

The security strips, threads, patches and overlays may be partiallyembedded within or mounted on a surface of a document. For partiallyembedded strips and threads, portions thereof are exposed at the surfaceof the document at spaced intervals along the length of the strip orthread at windows or apertures in the document.

The inventive device may be at least partially incorporated in securitypapers during manufacture by techniques commonly employed in thepapermaking industry. For example, the inventive device in the form of astrip or thread may be fed into a cylinder mold papermaking machine,cylinder vat machine, or similar machine of known type, resulting intotal or partial embedment of the strip or thread within the body of thefinished paper.

The security strips, threads, patches and overlays may also be adheredor bonded to a surface of a document with or without the use of anadhesive. Bonding without the use of an adhesive may be achieved using,for example, thermal welding techniques such as heated platen press,ultrasonic welding, vibration welding, and laser fusing. Adhesives foradhering the inventive devices to a surface of a document may be one ofhot melt adhesives, heat activatable adhesives, pressure sensitiveadhesives, and polymeric laminating films. These adhesives arepreferably crosslinkable in nature, such as UV cured acrylic or epoxy.

In another contemplated embodiment, the inventive device forms part of alabel construction containing a transparent or translucent adhesive(i.e., the transparent thermoplastic material layer). The inventivedevice may be placed on the inside of a package, so that the syntheticimages and static 2D images remain visible. In this embodiment, the basediameter of the refractive or reflective focusing elements of theoptical film material is preferably less than about 50 microns,preferably from about 5 to about 30 microns, and more preferably fromabout 10 to about 25 microns, while the total thickness of the inventivedevice is preferably less than about 200 microns (more preferably, lessthan about 75 microns, and most preferably, from about 10 to about 50microns).

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of thepresent invention should not be limited by any of the exemplaryembodiments.

1. A method for laser marking one or more static two dimensional imageson or within a device that embodies or comprises an optical filmmaterial, wherein the optical film material projects at least onesynthetically magnified image, wherein the method comprises: identifyingone or more layers or interfaces within the optical film material thatmay be damaged by laser energy, or by heat and gas generated by laserabsorption within a laser receptive layer; either positioning one ormore layers markable by laser energy above the laser sensitive layer orinterface, positioning one or more thermal spacer layers and one or morelaser markable layers below the optical film material, the one or morethermal spacer layers being located between the optical film materialand the one or more laser markable layers, modifying the laser sensitiveinterface to increase the bond strength and/or thermal resistance of theinterface, or replacing the laser sensitive layer with a layer made froma material with a higher bond strength and/or a higher thermalresistance; optionally, molding the layers together using heat andpressure to form a device that embodies the optical film material; andexposing the device to laser energy so as to mark one or more static twodimensional images on or into the one or more laser markable layers. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein one or more laser markable layers arepositioned above the laser sensitive layer.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the optical film material is made up of one or more optionallyencapsulated arrangements of refractive focusing elements and one ormore arrangements of image icons disposed on opposing sides of anoptical spacer layer, wherein the one or more arrangements of imageicons constitute the one or more layers within the optical film materialthat may be damaged by laser energy.
 4. The method of claim 2, whereinthe optical film material is made up of one or more optionallyencapsulated arrangements of reflective focusing elements and one ormore arrangements of image icons disposed on opposing sides of anoptical spacer layer, wherein the one or more optionally encapsulatedarrangements of reflective focusing elements constitute the one or morelayers within the optical film material that may be damaged by laserenergy.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more layersmarkable by laser energy are prepared using thermoplastic polymersselected from the group of polyethersulfone, polysulfone, polycarbonate,and polyphenylene sulfide.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the one ormore layers markable by laser energy are laser markable transparentpolycarbonate films.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the one or morelayers markable by laser energy are laser markable clear polycarbonatesheets.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more layersmarkable by laser energy are prepared using one or more laser additivesand one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from the group ofpolystyrene, styrene acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,polyethylene terephthalate, glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate,polybutylene terephthalate and polyethylene.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein the one or more laser additives comprise carbon black.
 10. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the device is exposed to an amount of laserenergy sufficient to make a legible mark within a laser markable layer.11. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more thermal spacer layers andone or more laser markable layers are positioned below the optical filmmaterial, the one or more thermal spacer layers being located betweenthe optical film material and the one or more laser markable layers. 12.The method of claim 11, wherein the optical film material comprises anarrangement of encapsulated refractive focusing elements and anarrangement of image icons that are separated by an optical spacerlayer.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more thermalspacer layers are prepared using a clear thermoplastic material.
 14. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the one or more thermal spacer layers have athickness ranging from about 5 to about 500 microns.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the device is exposed to an amount of laser energysufficient to make a legible mark within a laser markable layer.
 16. Alaser markable optical device, which comprises: an optical film materialthat comprises one or more optionally encapsulated arrangements offocusing elements and one or more arrangements of image icons disposedon opposing sides of an optical spacer layer, at least a portion of thefocusing elements forming at least one synthetically magnified image ofat least a portion of the image icons; and optionally, one or morelayers located above and/or below the optical film material, wherein atleast one arrangement or layer within or layer above or below theoptical film material is markable by laser energy, and wherein statictwo dimensional images may be laser marked on or into the one or morelaser markable arrangements or layers without damaging the focusingelements or the image icons of the optical film material.
 17. The lasermarkable optical device of claim 16, wherein the optical film materialcomprises an optionally encapsulated arrangement of refractive focusingelements and an arrangement of image icons that are separated by anoptical spacer layer, wherein one or more arrangements or layers locatedabove the arrangement of image icons is a laser markable arrangement orlayer.
 18. The laser markable optical device of claim 16, wherein one ormore layers are located above and/or below the optical film material.19. The laser markable optical device of claim 18, wherein the one ormore layers located above and/or below the optical film material includeone or more transparent thermoplastic material layers that serve toachieve a desired overall thickness of the device, or if positioned asan outermost layer, provide the device with increased resistance totampering or alteration and wear.
 20. The laser markable optical deviceof claim 18, wherein the optical film material comprises an arrangementof encapsulated refractive focusing elements and an arrangement of imageicons that are separated by an optical spacer layer, wherein one or morearrangements or layers located above the arrangement of image icons is alaser markable arrangement or layer.
 21. The laser markable opticaldevice of claim 20, wherein an outermost layer located above the opticalfilm material is a transparent thermoplastic material layer.
 22. Thelaser markable optical device of claim 21, wherein the transparentthermoplastic material layer has a thickness ranging from about 5 toabout 500 microns.
 23. The laser markable optical device of claim 20,wherein the refractive focusing elements are encapsulated using amaterial having a refractive index that is substantially or measurablydifferent than the refractive index of the material used to form thefocusing elements.
 24. The laser markable optical device of claim 23,wherein the difference in refractive indices causes the focal length ofthe focusing elements to converge on the one or more arrangements ofimage icons.
 25. The laser markable optical device of claim 23, whereinthe encapsulating material is transparent, translucent, tinted, orpigmented and optionally provides additional functionality for securityand authentication purposes, including support of automated currencyauthentication, verification, tracking, counting and detection systems,that rely on optical effects, electrical conductivity or electricalcapacitance, magnetic field detection.
 26. The laser markable opticaldevice of claim 25, wherein the encapsulating material is selected fromthe group of adhesives, gels, glues, lacquers, liquids, molded polymers,and polymers or other materials containing organic or metallicdispersions, provided the refraction of light is not completelydisrupted.
 27. The laser markable optical device of claim 16, whereinthe optical film material comprises an optionally encapsulatedarrangement of reflective focusing elements and an arrangement of imageicons that are separated by an optical spacer layer, wherein one or morearrangements or layers located above the optionally encapsulatedarrangement of reflective focusing elements is a laser markablearrangement or layer.
 28. The laser markable optical device of claim 27,wherein the reflective focusing elements are metalized or coated with ahigh refractive index non-metallic material.
 29. The laser markableoptical device of claim 28, wherein the reflective focusing elements arecoated with a high refractive index non-metallic material selected fromthe group consisting of zinc sulphide, indium tin oxide, andcombinations thereof.
 30. The laser markable optical device of claim 16,which is a stand-alone device that comprises an optical film materialcomprising an optionally encapsulated arrangement of refractive orreflective focusing elements and an arrangement of image icons that areseparated by a laser markable optical spacer layer.
 31. The lasermarkable optical device of claim 16, wherein the one or morearrangements or layers markable by laser energy are prepared usingthermoplastic polymers selected from the group of polyethersulfone,polysulfone, polycarbonate, and polyphenylene sulfide.
 32. The lasermarkable optical device of claim 31, wherein the one or more layersmarkable by laser energy are laser markable transparent polycarbonatefilms.
 33. The laser markable optical device of claim 31, wherein theone or more layers markable by laser energy are laser markable clearpolycarbonate sheets.
 34. The laser markable optical device of claim 16,wherein the one or more layers markable by laser energy are preparedusing one or more laser additives and one or more thermoplastic polymersselected from the group of polystyrene, styrene acrylonitrile,acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene terephthalate,glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalateand polyethylene.
 35. The laser markable optical device of claim 34,wherein the one or more laser additives comprise carbon black.
 36. Thelaser markable optical device of claim 16, which is made up of theoptical film material, one or more underlying laser markable layers, andone or more thermal spacer layers positioned between the optical filmmaterial and the one or more underlying laser markable layers.
 37. Thelaser markable optical device of claim 36, wherein the optical filmmaterial comprises an arrangement of encapsulated refractive focusingelements and an arrangement of image icons that are separated by anoptical spacer layer.
 38. The laser markable optical device of claim 36,wherein the one or more thermal spacer layers are prepared using a clearthermoplastic material.
 39. The laser markable optical device of claim36, wherein the one or more thermal spacer layers has a thicknessranging from about 5 to about 500 microns.
 40. A laser marked opticaldevice prepared from the laser markable optical device of claim 16,wherein the one or more laser markable arrangements or layers has one ormore laser marked static two dimensional images thereon.
 41. A sheetmaterial made from the laser markable optical device of claim
 16. 42. Asheet material made from the laser marked optical device of claim 40.43. A base platform made from the laser markable optical device of claim16.
 44. A base platform made from the laser marked optical device ofclaim
 40. 45. A document made from the sheet material of claim 41 or 42.46. A document made from the base platform of claim 43 or 44.